Students attending the Capital Region BOCES Heating/Ventilation/Air Conditioning and Refrigeration (HVAC/R) program say they were drawn to the program because of the options it affords to them.
While many of them said that they plan to pursue careers in the heating and cooling industry, the fact that they learn a variety of skills ranging from electrical wiring to soldering is a “major bonus.”
“I chose this program because it looked interesting and offered a lot of opportunities,” said Virendra Lillchan, a Schenectady High School junior enrolled in the program.
Classmate Valerie Sonnenfroh concurred.
“I was going into electrical, but I think I am better off in HVAC because I am learning wiring and other skills so I will have more opportunities when I graduate,” said the Schalmont High School junior.
The HVAC/R program at the Capital Region BOCES Career & Technical Education Center – Albany Campus gives students a solid career foundation in the HVAC/R industry. In a state-of-the-art classroom, students learn about ventilation, piping, refrigerants and refrigeration, furnaces and boilers. But HVAC/R technicians must also perform electrical, plumbing and even construction work, so BOCES HVAC/R students are also introduced to a sampling of those skills.
“Studying HVAC allows me to gain professional experience and I feel like I can do many different jobs with the skills I learn here,” added Guilderland High School junior Oscar Knaggs.
Teacher Tim Duane said the program is all about providing skills that meet a variety of career and personal needs.
“The HVACR industry has a high demand for skilled technicians with a promising career outlook. The skills learned in course training can be used both in other pursuits, both personal and professional,” he said.
For more about the HVAC/R program, go to https://www.capitalregionboces.org/career-technical-education/courses-programs/hvac-r-heating-ventilation-air-conditioning-refrigeration/